Critter Camp Counselor

Description:

Seasonal position (May 20 – August 28, 2026)

• Reports to Manager of Humane Education

The Richmond SPCA is a non-profit organization located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia. As a leader in the field of animal welfare, we are cultivating a community committed to saving, protecting and enriching animal lives with a mission to provide education and resources to achieve and sustain a no-kill community. Annually, we rescue, rehabilitate and find homes for about 4,000 homeless animals while also providing our region with vital safety net programs designed to keep thousands of pets in loving homes and out of shelters. Our values of collaboration, creativity, honesty, inclusion and respect guide not only what we do – but how we do it.

Critter Camp Counselors serve as the primary adults responsible for children during our summer and winter camp programs. Critter Camp activities include arts and crafts, learning about an animal shelter and a veterinary hospital operates, learning to train their own pets, and more. Each camp session includes time with the cats and dogs in our care.

Essential Functions Supervise campers at all times – prioritizing safety – while following camp policies set forth by the Manager of Humane Education and the Chief Advancement Officer Serve as a positive role model for campers Work to ensure that all campers are comfortable and feel included

• Communicate with coworkers and management about incidents involving campers
• Assist in organizing and leading group activities throughout each week

Supervise children attending Critter Camp

• Ensure the camp areas are kept clean and organized
• Maintain open and regular communication with the Manager of Humane Education

Alert management when camp supplies may be running low Other related duties as assigned

Qualifications, Skills, and Expectations Alignment with the Richmond SPCA’s mission to achieve and sustain a no-kill community – including promoting pet adoption and spaying/neutering – and to utilizing reward-based, positive reinforcement (R+) training methods Effective, professional, and empathetic communication (written and verbal) with the public, volunteers, and all Richmond SPCA employees

Attitude that contributes to a welcoming, accessible, compassionate, and respectful atmosphere Previous experience with children or relevant education Uncompromising commitment to the wellbeing of children attending camp Public speaking skills Creative, resourceful, positive, get-it-done attitude Ability to multi-task, take and follow directions, and adapt to and productively accommodate changing demands – all with excellent attention to detail

Punctuality and reliability are essential, as well as good time management and prioritization skills Able to work independently in a mature, professional, and productive capacity and as part of a team

• Maintain confidentiality as requested

Requirements:

Have daytime availability Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from May 20 to August 28 (somewhat flexible end date), including attending all required trainings and meetings before and during Critter Camp Have reliable transportation, including during inclement weather Be 18 years of age or older

Physical Job Requirements Comfort handling or learning to handle both dogs and cats Able to safely work with animals (including those who are sick or injured or who have behavior challenges) Able to work around loud noises, cat litter, animal waste, and various chemicals Able to be on your feet for extended periods of time

Able to routinely lift 25 lbs. Able to push/pull a large cart Able to kneel and stoop, and have physical strength to perform cleaning duties effectively and efficiently

Work Environment

• Supportive, collaborative team environment that encourages and celebrates creativity and resourcefulness

Rapid pace with exposure to potential hazards including animal waste, allergens (pet dander, peanut butter), and disinfectants Potential for animal bites and scratches and diseases that are zoonotic (can be transmitted from animals to people) Potential for exposure to common childhood illnesses and conditions including but not limited to flu, RSV, hand, foot, and mouth disease, head lice, and COVID-19

High levels of noise at times

Richmond SPCA employees are eligible to become clients of our low-cost, full-service Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital and have access to an Employee Assistance Program.